Why was fire a major threat in medieval cities?

Answer 1

There are many reasons:

• Houses were packed tightly together, increasing the risk of fire spreading easily from one building to another
• Most buildings were of flammable materials such as wood and thatch
• There were generally no adequate fire-fighting teams in place
• Bakers, brewers, tanners, dyers and many other tradesmen used open fires for heat during their processes - even a single spark can start a major fire in such situations
• Lighting was often provided by rush lights or candles, both of which can provide sources of ignition

Answer 2

Fire was a major threat in medieval cities due to several reasons. Buildings were predominantly made of wood, which made them highly flammable. The houses were often clustered closely together, allowing fire to spread rapidly. Additionally, firefighting methods and equipment were limited, making it difficult to control and extinguish fires once they started.